Smith DTh Thesis (final).pdf - South African Theological Seminary

Chapter 4: Analysis of Psalms 3-8that many incidents in David’s life that were not mentioned in the canonicalbooks were recorded in the chronicles of the prophets Samuel, Nathan andGad. The historical books do indicate that many Benjaminites remained loyalto Saul throughout David’s reign and caused him trouble during Saul’s reignand his own (see 1 Sam 22-26, 2 Sam 16:5-13 and 20:1-3). I supportCraigie’s (1998:99; cf. Wilcock 2001:35) conclusion:In general, the obscurity of the incident tends to support both itsantiquity and its authenticity. Thus, while there can be nohistorical certainty, it may be reasonable to suppose that thepsalm reflects David’s reaction to false charges laid against him(in the presence of Saul?), purporting that he had actedtreacherously and in defiance of treaty obligations.Turning to the implied historical setting, the psalmist wrote the psalm as aprayer for God to vindicate his innocence. 70 His enemy (with the exception of70 In my opinion, the impassioned language and wondering style (see Stuhlmueller 1996; cf.discussion of שִ‏ ‏ּגָ‏ יון in §4.5.3) mitigate against interpreting Psalm 7 as a professionalcomposition. It appears to be the heart-felt prayer of a person undergoing the circumstancesimplied. Broyles (1999, 66) disagrees, arguing that the “ritual oath” (vv. 4-6) and “the interplay151